Latest Basketball News
Spurs Advance to Western Conference Semifinals with Fox and Wembanyama's Clutch Performance
De’Aaron Fox scored 21 points and 9 assists, taking over late to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 114-95 closeout win over the Portland Trail Blazers, winning the series 4-1. Victor Wembanyama posted 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks in his first career clinching game, becoming the youngest player since 1973-74 to record 15+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ blocks in such a win.
Julian Champagnie added 19 points and 5 threes in the victory.
NCAA Initiates Final Steps to Expand Men's and Women's Tournaments to 76 Teams
The NCAA is advancing plans to grow both tournaments from 68 to 76 teams, with formalization expected in weeks and implementation next season, per ESPN sources. This includes eight more at-large bids, expanding the First Four to 12 games with 24 teams at two sites.
Approvals from NCAA committees are viewed as formalities, following media partner meetings.
Power Conferences Drive Impending NCAA Tournament Expansion to 76 Teams
Ever-growing power conferences are pushing the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments to expand to 76 teams starting next season. The field adds eight at-large teams, with the First Four growing to 12 games at two sites before the traditional 64-team bracket.
The NCAA states no final decisions yet, but steps are underway.
Wembanyama Makes Playoff History in Spurs' Series-Clinching Win
At 22 years and 114 days, Victor Wembanyama joined Hakeem Olajuwon as one of only two players age 22 or younger with 15+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ blocks in a clinching playoff win. He also became the third Spur ever with 13+ blocks over a two-game playoff span, alongside Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
His performance helped secure the 114-95 victory.
De’Aaron Fox's Late-Game Heroics Seal Spurs' Advancement
De’Aaron Fox dominated the fourth quarter with 21 points and 9 assists, pulling the Spurs away for a 114-95 win over the Trail Blazers. His steady play was crucial in the 4-1 series victory, advancing San Antonio to the Western Conference Semifinals.
Fox's clutch performance complemented Wembanyama's defense.
NCAA Tournament Expansion Mechanics: More At-Large Bids and Extended First Four
The men's tournament expansion adds eight at-large bids, with 24 teams playing 12 First Four games at two sites, one in Dayton. Tuesday and Wednesday will feature these games, before the 64-team bracket starts Thursday.
A western site is planned for logistics.
Women's NCAA Tournament to Mirror Men's Expansion to 76 Teams
The women's basketball tournament will undergo the same expansion to 76 teams, likely favoring power conference additions. Like the men's, it includes eight more at-large teams and an expanded early round.
NCAA committees must still approve.
College Basketball Title Contenders Assess Remaining Roster Needs Post-Portal
With the transfer portal closed and NBA draft deadlines passed, teams like Arizona and Kentucky identify key holes for 2026-27 rosters. Fewer than 10 top-100 transfers remain uncommitted.
High school and international prospects are filling gaps.
BYU Targets Elite Centers to Bolster Title Contender Roster
BYU hosted 2027 center Obinna Ekezie, a reclassification candidate, and is linked to international prospect Luigi Suigo. These moves address remaining needs after portal activity.
Roster rebuilds are nearing completion for contenders.
NCAA Cautions Expansion Requires Multiple Committee Approvals
The NCAA states that expanding tournaments needs approval from basketball committees, oversight groups, Division I cabinet, and board of governors. Contracts with media partners must be signed first.
Sources say approvals are formalities.
Spurs' Julian Champagnie Shines with 19 Points in Playoff Clincher
Julian Champagnie contributed 19 points, including 5 three-pointers, in the Spurs' 114-95 win over Portland. His scoring supported Fox and Wembanyama's efforts.
The victory advances San Antonio in the playoffs.
Mid-May Announcement Expected for NCAA 76-Team Tournament Expansion
Sources point to mid-May for an official NCAA announcement on the 76-team expansion. Discussions have lasted over a year, with final steps now initiated.
Both men's and women's tournaments are affected.